Flights to Rotorua

Rotorua is New Zealand's coolest hot spot - a volcanic region with naturally-heated springs, geothermal sights and a massive choice of adventures.

Things to do in Rotorua

When you first arrive in Rotorua, the scent of sulphur lets you know you're somewhere like nowhere else. Steam rises from fumaroles, craters and hot pools in the city's parks, while the geysers of Whakarewarewa erupt almost constantly. To fully appreciate Rotorua's subterranean magic you can visit remarkable geothermal areas like Wai-o-Tapu, Hell's Gate, Waimangu and Orakei Korako. Your phone's camera app will get a lot of exercise.

Wai-O-Tapu and skyline gondola

Since humans first arrived in Aotearoa, Rotorua has been a focus for Maori culture. Attracted by the comfort of unlimited geothermal energy for cooking and warmth, Maori settlers made themselves at home around 600 years ago. Today their descendants keep many ancient traditions alive. You can learn about the culture, enjoy the amazing performance art and discover the smoky succulence of hangi (earth oven) food. Rotorua's hospitality is perfectly expressed with the word manaakitanga - a deep-rooted concept that inspires the local community to offer visitors the best experience.

Surrounded by native forests, mountains, lakes and rivers, Rotorua is a great place to get on your bike and reconnect with nature. The Whakarewarewa Forest has mountain biking trails for everyone, from absolute beginners to world champions. There's also Te Ara Ahi, a two-day 48km biking trail that takes you on a spectacular journey from the city up to hot pools in Waikite Valley.

Another enthralling experience is Wingspan, a bird of prey centre in Paradise Valley. Seeing New Zealand's feisty falcons do their thing is beyond awesome.

Rotorua has always been a top spot for family holidays, because there are all sorts of adventures within easy reach. As a group you can catch a gondola up Mount Ngongataha, then spend a few hours racing each other on the luge tracks. Rainbow Springs nature park is another idea for family fun, because everyone loves feeding trout and seeing kiwi. Another enthralling experience is Wingspan, a bird of prey centre in Paradise Valley. Seeing New Zealand's feisty falcons do their thing is beyond awesome. Jet boating, ziplining and rolling down hills inside giant transparent balls are other Rotorua fun times you can discover. Honestly, there's never a dull moment in this New Zealand hot spot.

Essential information

Best time to go

Geothermal attractions are the main reason to visit Rotorua, and these are bubbling and hissing all year round. But we'll let you into a secret: the colder temperatures of winter make everything steamier and more mysterious! Rainfall is spread evenly throughout the year, so biking and hiking are activities for any season.

How much will it cost

Not including air travel and hotels, you should allow about NZD $100 to $150 a day per person for food and entertainment.

Health

There are no mandatory vaccinations required for visitors to New Zealand.

Visas

Taiwanese passport holders do not need a visa to visit New Zealand for less than 3 months. Other passport holders please see the visa-waiver list here.

Flying with Air New Zealand

The only non-stop service from Taiwan to New Zealand and up to 5 flights weekly, connecting you to 20 New Zealand domestic destinations.